Converting jeepneys, buses to natural gas

Two odd buses have been plying Metro Manila routes since May. Apart from transporting commuters for free from, say, Fairview-Baclaran or Monumento-Alabang, they do not belch the usual thick black smoke. One is air-conditioned, the other is regular; both engines whir quieter than usual, a sign of fuel efficiency. Most peculiarly, they run on compressed natural gas, now available for only P9 per liter instead of the usual P19.85 for diesel.

The buses are prototypes for the government’s Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport, or NGVPPT. The acronym is long. The idea itself will go a longer way in weaning the economy away from imported fuels. For the rest of June, the NGVPPT wants commuters to try the buses for smooth rides on the Quiapo-Cainta and Alabang-Letre routes. More than that, it also wants bus operators to see for themselves the economic and environmental superiority of natural gas. The energy department is holding seminars to orient drivers and mechanics on the technology.

It’s not much different from diesel engines, except that the fuel tanks have been reconfigured to carry compressed gas. Because gas flits through fuel lines with less friction than liquid, burning is better regulated. Engines can be choked for slower city drives or unleashed for faster highway runs – with the same fuel consumption. Metro Manila’s biggest fleet owner smiled at this feature: "That means my drivers can’t go fast on city roads; less accidents, less insurance costs, less headaches."

Fuel economy is the strongest come-on, in a period of runaway oil price increases in the Middle East due to terrorist attacks. Natural gas is now in wide supply with its discovery in Malampaya, off Palawan, by Shell. With stricter government emission standards under the Clean Air Act, the gas is also one of the cheaper alternatives. A bus that runs on it costs the same as a diesel model. But as incentive, government will tack on an import duty of only 1 percent on converted buses, from 12 percent for diesel units.

Four members of the North Eastern Metro Manila Bus Operators Group presently are negotiating with the Korean converter for 20 Daewoo units. HM Transport has applied for a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to acquire 20 more. The DBP has a special interest rate for operators who wish to switch to natural gas.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will give preference and exclusive franchises to natural-gas buses in new routes. It’s a takeoff from the suggestion of Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando to put buses on C-5, but only if they do not belch smoke. The Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. will also allow minibuses (10-15 seats) to serve the Global City environment paradise, also so long as they go natural. Ayala Corp. is offering two parking slots at the Landmark shopping mall.

Tricycles are among the country’s air and noise worst polluters, what with the inefficient two-stroke engines. An Indian firm has fabricated two natural-gas prototypes. The energy deoartment will lend these to Taguig and Makati officials, for tricycle cooperatives to try out.

Jeepneys too can be refitted. The Korean converter of Daewoo buses is racing with another Indian firm to produce two units each, also for test runs by jeepney operators.

Where to fill up? The Philippine National Oil Company is fielding mobile refuelling stations. But DBP is also offering cheap loans to station owners and operators who wish to set up their own natural-gas pumps. If the Malampaya off-shore well can hose gas all the way to a power generating plant in Batangas, then filling stations all over the metropolis would be a cinch. Getting environmental compliance certificates from authorities would be easier too.

Economies of scale promise even lower prices of natural gas. Once it catches on among public utility operators in Metro Manila and other big cities, Shell can push production capacity at relatively cheaper rates. Commuters will be the ultimate beneficiaries. For the first time, they may see natural-gas buses, jeepneys and tricycles offering much lower fares than old diesel units on the same routes. How’s that for freedom of choice?

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The University of the Philippines will honor on Saturday its 2004 Most Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna, Sen. Manuel Villar and Dr. Dolores F. Hernandez.

Also to be given Outstanding Professional Awards are: Lydia Manalastas-Venzon for nursing; Dr. Aida Avila-Eugenio, pharmacy; Dr. Leonila Corpuz-Raros, natural sciences; Dr. Ramon Santos, music; Dr. Reynaldo Joson, medicine; Lourdes Tenmatay-David, information technology; Justice Minerva Gonzaga-Reyes, law; Dr. Isabel Roxas-Aleta, home economics; Prof. Stanley Malab, forestry; Dr. Glenn Aguilar, fisheries; Dr. Leonardo Liongson, engineering; Dr. Ramon Arcadio, education; Jose Rimon II, communications; Dr. Victoria Belo-Jardiolin, business administration; Dr. Lilia Quindoza-Santiago, arts and letters; and Dr. Liwayway Engle, agriculture.

For Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Awards: Drs. Mercedes Concepcion and Ramon Barba. For the UP Alumni Association Service Award: Josefina Abaya-Wee Sit. For Community Service Award: Judge Maria Clarita Tabin.

A Special Student Recognition will be given to Leonardo Padroquez Jr. Presidential Award: Benjamin Luis, Qutstanding Graduates: Ginoo Karlo Galveztan and Leah Anne Abueg.

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Catch Sapol ni Jarius Bondoc, Saturdays at 8 a.m., on DWIZ (882-AM).

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